Summary: In our busy, noisy culture, it is important that we learn how to quiet down our hearts and get alone with God, so we can hear His "still small voice."

I have been talking about the importance of living our lives w/purpose, thoughtfully, not haphazardly.

Eph 5:15 Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), AMP

2009 is a year when we are going to

experience an increase in God’s presence and

will be many opportunities- hear God speak.

In Lk 8, Jesus- speaking to the crowds in parables.

Parable- story designed to communicate-spiritual truth

Disciples- ask for- explanation- Jesus says to them …

Lk 8:10

He goes on, explains the parable- and then says …

Lk 8:18

Take care- look at w/intent, contemplate

take heed KJV

pay attention NLT

consider carefully NIV

God- calling us into deeper spiritual maturity/stability.

Just before the inauguration- called, then President-elect, Barak Obama, and asked him if he could reinforce the message concerning the importance of growing spiritually. He was very obliging and in his inaugural address quoted 1 Cor 13:11 … when I became a man, I did away with childish things.